CRU Microgeneration Export Remuneration Ireland: Clean Export Guarantee Guide
Updated 6 September 2026 · By SolarNevs Research Desk, Dealer surveys + verified sources · 1 source · Method ↗
Key Takeaways
- The CRU's Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) ensures microgenerators are paid for all electricity exported to the grid beyond self-consumption.
- Grid connection applications depend on system size: NC6 for less than 6kW (single-phase) or 11 kW (three-phase), NC7 for up to 50kW.
- Electricity stored in a battery from renewable sources is still considered renewable energy for export (August 2026).
- Smart meters record export data every half hour interval, accessible via the ESB Networks portal (August 2026).
What is CRU Microgeneration Export Remuneration in Ireland?
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) sets the regulatory framework for microgeneration in Ireland. This framework includes grid connections and the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG). The CEG ensures you receive payment for electricity you export to the grid. The CRU published enduring arrangements for this in June 2024.
The table below outlines the primary regulatory provisions governing microgeneration and export remuneration in Ireland.
Provision Parameter | Statutory / Regulatory Requirement |
|---|---|
NC6 Microgeneration Capacity Limit | "If your microgeneration system is less than 6kW for single phase electricity or less than 11 kW for three phase, you should use the NC6 form." |
NC7 Mini-Generation Capacity Limit | "If your microgeneration system is greater than 6kW for single phase electricity (or 11 kW for three-phase) but not more than 50kW, you should use the NC7 form." |
Battery Storage Energy Classification | "Electricity that's generated from renewable sources and is then stored in a battery to be used or exported at a later time is still regarded as renewable energy." |
Automated Supplier Grid Notification | "After ESB Networks have processed your NC6 or NC7 form, they will inform your supplier that you have installed a microgeneration system." |
Smart Meter Interval Tracking | "Every half hour interval is recorded by your smart meter and data is automatically generated for both exported and imported electricity." |
Export Remuneration Obligation | "Your supplier will pay you for every metered unit of electricity (kWh) that you export to the grid over the duration of your billing cycle." |
Bill Disclosure Requirements | Microgeneration billing details must show "(1) the stated billing period, (2) the number of exported electricity units (kWhs) for which you are being paid, (3) the rate (€/kWh) paid for each unit exported." |
ESB Customer Portal Data Export | Customers on a smart tariff can view demand and export and download interval data "in the form of a HDF (spreadsheet)" via the ESB Networks customer portal. |
Regulatory Enduring Arrangements Timeline | "In June 2024, the CRU published regulatory arrangements around payments for microgeneration" ensuring fair remuneration for all exported electricity exceeding self-consumption. |
Direct Supplier Contact Exemption | "If you have a smart meter and your NC6 or NC7 form has been processed by ESB Networks, your electricity supply company will already be aware that you have a microgeneration system. There is no need to contact your supplier directly." |
Scope of Generation Technologies | Microgeneration covers renewable electricity generated from "solar panels (PV panels)", "small wind turbines", "hydro", and "micro renewable combined heat and power (CHP)". |
Dispute Resolution Service | Customers unsatisfied with complaint outcomes from their supplier or ESB Networks can access the CRU's "free complaint resolution service". |
Figures as of August 2026.
How do I connect my microgeneration system to the grid?
Your microgeneration system's capacity determines the grid connection application form you need. If your system is less than 6kW for single-phase electricity or less than 11 kW for three-phase, you should use the NC6 form. For systems greater than 6kW (single-phase) or 11 kW (three-phase) but not more than 50kW, the NC7 form is required.
After ESB Networks processes your NC6 or NC7 form, they will automatically inform your electricity supplier that you have installed a microgeneration system. This means you do not need to contact your supplier directly. For a detailed guide on the application process, refer to our article on the ESB Networks NC7 Mini-Generation Connection Application Guide.
How is my exported electricity measured and paid for?
Your smart meter plays a central role in measuring exported electricity. Every half hour interval is recorded by your smart meter. Data is automatically generated for both exported and imported electricity. Your electricity supplier is obligated to pay you for every metered unit of electricity (kWh) that you export to the grid over your billing cycle.
Your electricity bill must clearly show specific details. These include the stated billing period, the number of exported electricity units (kWhs) for which you are being paid, and the rate (€/kWh) paid for each unit exported. You can view your demand and export data, and download interval data in a HDF (spreadsheet) format, via the ESB Networks customer portal if you are on a smart tariff. For more information on supplier rates, consult our Clean Export Guarantee Supplier Rates and Rules Ireland guide.
What about battery storage and different generation technologies?
The CRU framework explicitly addresses battery storage. Electricity generated from renewable sources and then stored in a battery to be used or exported at a later time is still regarded as renewable energy. This classification ensures that battery-backed systems remain eligible for export remuneration.
The scope of microgeneration technologies covered by these regulations is broad. It includes renewable electricity generated from solar panels (PV panels), small wind turbines, hydro systems, and micro renewable combined heat and power (CHP) units.
What if I have a dispute or my system is larger than 50kW?
If you are unsatisfied with the outcome of a complaint made to your electricity supplier or ESB Networks, you can access the CRU's free complaint resolution service. This service provides an independent channel for resolving issues related to microgeneration and export remuneration.
It is important to note that systems exceeding 50kW fall outside the scope of mini-generation. These larger systems require formal Small-Scale Generation (NC8 / ECP) grid connection applications, which are governed by different regulations.
Understanding market realities for export tariffs
While the CRU mandates that suppliers pay for exported electricity, the specific export tariff rates (€/kWh) are not fixed by the CRU. These rates are set commercially by individual electricity suppliers. This means that the amount you receive for your exported electricity can vary between different providers. When considering a microgeneration system, you should compare the export tariffs offered by various electricity suppliers.
How we verified this information
We checked the official website of the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) on August 23, 2026. All information presented in this article, including capacity limits, regulatory obligations, and data access provisions, is directly sourced from the CRU's consumer information section on microgeneration.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CRU Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) in Ireland?
The Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) is a regulatory framework established by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in Ireland. It ensures microgenerators receive remuneration for all electricity exported to the grid beyond their self-consumption. The CRU published enduring arrangements for this in June 2024.
What are the capacity limits for microgeneration grid connections in Ireland?
For single-phase electricity, systems less than 6kW use the NC6 form. Systems greater than 6kW but not more than 50kW use the NC7 form. For three-phase electricity, systems less than 11 kW use NC6, and those greater than 11 kW but not more than 50kW use NC7 (August 2026).
Does battery storage affect the renewable energy classification for export?
No, electricity generated from renewable sources and then stored in a battery for later use or export is still regarded as renewable energy by the CRU (August 2026).
How is exported electricity measured and reported by smart meters?
Smart meters record exported electricity in half-hour intervals. This data is automatically generated for both exported and imported electricity. Customers can access this interval data, typically in a HDF spreadsheet format, via the ESB Networks customer portal (August 2026).
Do I need to contact my electricity supplier directly after installing a microgeneration system?
No, if you have a smart meter and your NC6 or NC7 form has been processed by ESB Networks, your electricity supply company will already be aware of your microgeneration system. There is no need to contact your supplier directly (August 2026).
References
- Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) - Microgeneration — accessed 23 August 2026
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